U.S. patent application number 13/958550 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for online method for training vehicle drivers and determining hazard detection proficiency.
The applicant listed for this patent is State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. Invention is credited to John Adrian Nepomuceno.
Application Number | 20130337417 13/958550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49111770 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130337417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nepomuceno; John Adrian |
December 19, 2013 |
Online Method for Training Vehicle Drivers and Determining Hazard
Detection Proficiency
Abstract
A method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards, the
method having step that include: visually presenting to a driver a
continuous drive through a driving environment comprised of at
least two hazard modules, wherein each hazard module presents at
least one driving scenario that comprises at least one hazard;
recording where within the visual presentation the driver looks to
detect hazards during the visual presentation of the continuous
drive; and determining the driver's hazard detection proficiency by
evaluating whether the driver looked at hazards during the visual
presentation of the continuous drive.
Inventors: |
Nepomuceno; John Adrian;
(Bloomington, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company |
Bloomington |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49111770 |
Appl. No.: |
13/958550 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13413554 |
Mar 6, 2012 |
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13958550 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 31/16 20130101;
G09B 19/14 20130101; G06Q 30/0208 20130101; G09B 9/04 20130101;
G09B 9/05 20130101; G06Q 50/20 20130101; G06Q 30/0271 20130101;
G09B 9/02 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G09B 9/052 20130101; G09B
19/167 20130101; G06Q 40/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/62 |
International
Class: |
G09B 19/16 20060101
G09B019/16 |
Claims
1. A method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards, the
method comprising: visually presenting to a driver a continuous
drive through a driving environment comprised of at least two
hazard modules, wherein each hazard module presents at least one
driving scenario that comprises at least one hazard; recording
where within the visual presentation the driver looks to detect
hazards during the visual presentation of the continuous drive; and
determining the driver's hazard detection proficiency by evaluating
whether the driver looked at hazards during the visual presentation
of the continuous drive.
2. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the visually presenting comprises
presenting a plurality of hazard modules in a sequential order the
first time the continuous drive is visually presented to the
driver, and presenting the plurality of hazard modules in a
different sequential order the second time the continuous drive is
visually presented to the driver.
3. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the visually presenting comprises
presenting at least one driving environment selected from:
neighborhood, beyond your neighborhood, downtown, and highway.
4. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises detecting
mouse clicks within target boxes, wherein the target boxes coincide
with the hazards in the visual presentation.
5. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises detecting
driver eye fixation on hazards in the visual presentation.
6. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises recording
whether the driver timely looks to detect a hazard sufficiently in
advance of a point of impact.
7. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the determining the driver's hazard
detection proficiency comprises evaluating whether the driver has
detected a minimum percentage of the total number of hazards in the
visual presentation.
8. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, further comprising reviewing the continuous
drive comprising: replaying the visual presentation; indicating
hazards that the driver detected during the replay of the visual
presentation; and indicating hazards that the driver failed to
detect during the replay of the visual presentation.
9. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the visually presenting comprises at
least two continuous drives each through different driving
environments, wherein the determining the driver's hazard detection
proficiency comprises determining whether the driver has detected a
minimum percentage of hazards in each of the at least two
continuous drives.
10. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises:
requiring the vehicle driver to use a mouse or other pointing
device to click on parts of the scene where he is looking/fixating
to identify potential hazards.
11. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises:
requiring the vehicle driver to directly tap on areas of a screen
of a tablet or other computing device where he is looking.
12. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises:
detecting when the user is looking at his driver side, passenger
side, or rear view mirror.
13. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises:
detecting when the vehicle driver pans to certain areas on the left
or right side of the screen, wherein the pan is interpreted as
looking over the vehicle driver's shoulder left or right,
respectively.
14. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises:
detecting precautionary looks by the vehicle driver to anticipate
possible hazards.
15. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards comprises:
recording clicks, hits, panes, and mirror looks.
16. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, further comprising: providing to the vehicle
driver quick/hit visual feedback.
17. The method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards as
claimed in claim 1, further comprising: randomly presenting hazard
modules in a variety of driving conditions, wherein driving
conditions are selected from: rain, dry, snow, icy, night-time,
daylight, windy, and foggy.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/413,554 filed Mar. 6, 2012. The contents of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and
methods for training novice drivers to detect and recognize driving
hazards and for rating an insurance product. These training and
rating systems and methods may utilize online training simulations
to help novice drivers develop skills needed to detect and
recognize driving hazards in the safe environment of a computer
simulation rather than real world circumstances where errors in
judgment may result in automobile crashes. Based on completion of
an online training simulation and/or driver competence in online
training simulations, an insurance product may be rated and/or a
discount may be applied to an insurance premium.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among
novice teen drivers. In their first six months of licensure, teen
drivers are up to six times more likely to be involved in fatal
crashes than more experienced drivers (over 25 years of age).
Insurance premium costs for novice teen drivers reflect this
increased risk and crash propensity. Studies by McKnight and
McKnight concluded that failures to recognize hazards in the
driving environment contributed to approximately 43% of crashes
involving this teen driver segment. Studies have also concluded
that novice drivers lack the driving experience and the resultant
driving behaviors and attitudes that support them. In many states,
full licensure is delayed through graduated licensing strategies to
minimize the exposure of young drivers to the highest risk periods.
The problem then, is how to expose novice teen drivers to the kinds
of experiences that will allow them to develop those safe driving
schema from which they can then learn to recognize hazards and
related dangerous driving conditions without exposing them to
actual high risk driving conditions.
[0004] Fisher, Pradhan, Pollatsek, et al. concluded that a PC-based
training application called Risk Awareness and Perception Training
("RAPT") aimed at novice teen drivers could be effective in
improving the hazard detection skills of novice drivers. The RAPT
program was created based on an analysis of police crash reports
that indicate new drivers tend to lack three basic skills necessary
to avoid crashes: hazard anticipation, attention maintenance and
hazard avoidance. Hazard anticipation has to do with knowing where
to look for dangers; attention maintenance with concentrating on
the road ahead, and hazard avoidance with special driving
techniques such as skid control. The RAPT program focused on
anticipating dangers. The RAPT program used a personal computer to
train novice drivers and a driving simulator to test their hazard
recognition skills. On the personal computer, the RAPT program
required the novice driver to indicate where the novice driver was
looking as the virtual car drove through a hazard module. The
hazard module was presented as a series of still photographs that
exposed the novice driver to a particular simulated hazard. In one
version of the program, the novice driver was shown aerial views of
situations and then asked to drag yellow ovals and red circles to
the appropriate spots to show where the danger might arise and how
to adjust to it. In another version of the program, each still
photograph remained on the screen for about 3 seconds and the
novice driver used a computer mouse to click on the potential
hazards shown in the photographs. In another version of the RAPT
program, a series of 16 driving scenarios or hazard modules taught
novice drivers to be alert to situations that demand extra caution.
The scenarios or hazard modules "drove" through each situation,
presented via a series of still photographs, while the novice
driver clicked on potential hazards visible in the photographs. The
program then detailed safe and unsafe responses. A narrator
described the driving choices as the virtual car moved through the
photographs.
[0005] A driving simulator was then used to test whether the novice
drivers improved their abilities to detect and identify hazards. In
the RAPT testing simulator, the driver operated the simulator
vehicle an actual Saturn sedan as if it was on the road. A
simulated road ahead was displayed on three screens, one in front
and one on each side of the car. As the driver turned the wheel,
braked or accelerated, the roadway visible to the driver changed
appropriately. The system also provided realistic road, wind and
vehicle noises. To test how much the new driver had learned from
the RAPT training program, the RAPT testing simulator recreated the
sensations of actually driving on the road. The driver operated the
controls of a Saturn sedan while the road and various situations
scrolled by on three surrounding screens. Subjects were also tested
on the road with the help of devices that tracked the movements of
their eyes as they scanned their surroundings.
[0006] Versions of the RAPT program have been made available on the
Internet. However, RAPT3 failed to catch on with novice teen
drivers or with driving education instructors and as a result, few
people outside of academia have ever heard of, or benefited from
the RAPT3 training.
[0007] Driving simulator-based training has shown to be potentially
effective. While the cost of driving simulators continues to drop,
few people have access to driving simulators that have been
established for training purposes, and the cost of these is still
relatively high. Most driving simulators today are maintained by
academic institutions primarily for research purposes. Maintaining
driving simulators for training purposes is still cost-prohibitive
even for driving schools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] While most people do not have access to a driving simulator,
most teens have access to a web-connected personal computer. Road
Aware.TM. is a web-based hazard perception training program that
provides a driving simulator-like experience aimed at teaching
novice drivers how to recognize and identify hazards. The graphical
user interface may use state-of-the-art 3D simulation technology to
create a web-streamed video game-like driving experience to engage
and hold the interest of teen drivers. By narrowly focusing the
training on hazard detection and recognition and not on the
psychomotor skills of driving, Road Aware avoids developing
overconfidence among young drivers, which can be an unintended
consequence of some simulation training systems.
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a method for training vehicle drivers to detect hazards, the method
comprising: visually presenting to a driver a continuous drive
through a driving environment comprised of at least two hazard
modules, wherein each hazard module presents at least one driving
scenario that comprises at least one hazard; recording where within
the visual presentation the driver looks to detect hazards during
the visual presentation of the continuous drive; and determining
the driver's hazard detection proficiency by evaluating whether the
driver looked at hazards during the visual presentation of the
continuous drive.
[0010] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for
determining an insurance premium based at least in part of a
vehicle driver's proficiency at detecting hazards, the method
comprising: visually presenting at least one driving module that
comprises at least one hazard; recording where within the visual
presentation the driver looks to detect hazards during the visual
presentation; determining the driver's hazard detection proficiency
by evaluating whether the driver looked at hazards during the
visual presentation; and calculating an insurance premium based at
least in part on the driver's hazard detection proficiency. Still
another aspect of the invention provides a system for determining
vehicle driver hazard detection proficiency and calculating
insurance discounts, the system comprising: an Internet device that
presents to an Internet user a visual presentation of a continuous
drive through a driving environment comprising at least two hazard
modules, wherein each hazard module presents to the Internet user
at least one driving scenario that comprises at least one hazard;
an Internet device that records user viewing locations within the
visual presentation, the user viewing locations corresponding to
locations within the visual presentation that are viewed by the
user during the visual presentation of the continuous drive; a
computer analytics device comprising an algorithm that compares the
recorded user viewing locations with defined locations of hazards
within the visual presentation of the continuous drive, and
determines a hazard detection proficiency of the user based at
least on the comparison; a computer memory device comprising at
least one minimum hazard detection proficiency criteria
corresponding to an insurance discount; and a computer analytics
device that compares the determined hazard detection proficiency of
the user with the minimum hazard detection proficiency criteria and
determines whether to award the insurance discount to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features.
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a driving hazard module wherein an
other vehicle is backing out of a driveway in front of the vehicle
of a novice driver, wherein FIG. 1A shows the other vehicle parked
with brake lights illuminated and FIG. 1B shows the novice driver's
vehicle advanced down the street and the other vehicle starting to
move down the driveway.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a driving hazard module wherein
another vehicle is backing out of a driveway in front of the
vehicle of a novice driver and cars are parked at the side of the
road to obstruct the novice driver's view of the other vehicle.
FIG. 2A shows the other vehicle parked with brake lights
illuminated as the novice driver's vehicle advances from a
distance. FIG. 2B shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced down
the street and the other vehicle starting to move down the
driveway. FIG. 2C shows a bird's eye view of the vehicles shown in
FIG. 2B.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a driving hazard module wherein
another vehicle enters the traffic lane in front of the novice
driver's advancing vehicle from a position parked at the right-side
curb. FIG. 3A shows the other vehicle parked at the right-side curb
as the novice driver's vehicle advances from a distance. FIG. 3B
shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced down the street toward
the other vehicle. FIG. 3C shows the other vehicle's brake lights
illuminated as the novice driver gets even closer. FIG. 3D shows
the other vehicle pulling into the traffic lane in front of the
novice driver's vehicle.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a driving hazard module similar to
that illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, except that the other vehicle is
parked at the right-side curb between two more vehicles, which
partially block the novice driver's view of the other vehicle. FIG.
4A shows three vehicles parked at the right-side curb as the novice
driver's vehicle advances from a distance.
[0016] FIG. 4B shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced down the
street toward the other vehicle as the other vehicle's brake lights
are illuminated and the other vehicle begins to move away from the
curb.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a driving hazard module wherein a
pedestrian is walking down the right-side sidewalk as the novice
driver's vehicle approaches.
[0018] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a driving hazard module wherein a
pedestrian is standing near a stop sign at an intersection as the
novice driver's vehicle approaches the intersection. FIG. 6A shows
the pedestrian standing near the stop sign at the right-side curb.
FIG. 6B shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced down the street
toward the intersection. FIG. 6C shows the novice driver's vehicle
advanced down the street toward the intersection even closer to the
pedestrian. FIG. 6D shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced
stopped at the intersection, next to the pedestrian.
[0019] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a driving hazard module wherein
another vehicle opens a car door into a lane of traffic from a
position parked at the curb. FIG. 7A shows the other vehicle
parallel-parked at the right-side curb between two other vehicles
as the novice driver's vehicle advances down the street. FIG. 7B
shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced further down the street
as the other vehicles' door is opened.
[0020] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a driving hazard module wherein
pedestrian crosses at an intersection. FIG. 8A shows the pedestrian
at the right-side curb near a stop sign as the novice driver's
vehicle advances down the street. FIG. 8B shows the novice driver's
vehicle advanced further down the street as the pedestrian is
crossing the street at the intersection.
[0021] FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate a driving hazard module wherein
several cars arrive at a 4-way stop simultaneously. FIG. 9A shows a
novice driver's vehicle advancing down the street toward a 4-way
intersection. FIG. 9B shows the novice driver's vehicle advanced
further down the street. FIG. 9C shows the novice driver's vehicle
stopped at the intersection, another vehicle stopped at the left
stop sign and a further vehicle stopped at the right stop sign.
FIG. 9D shows the novice driver's vehicle stopped at the
intersection, the other vehicle remains stopped at the left stop
sign and the further vehicle that had been stopped at the right
stop sign is crossing the intersection. FIG. 9E shows the novice
driver's vehicle stopped at the intersection, the other vehicle
that had been stopped at the left stop sign is crossing the
intersection and the further vehicle that had been stopped at the
right stop sign has crossed the intersection. FIG. 9F shows the
novice driver's vehicle stopped at the intersection, the other
vehicle that had been stopped at the left stop sign has crossed the
intersection. FIG. 9G shows the novice driver's vehicle crossing
the intersection.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a driving hazard module wherein a novice
driver is trying to turn right from a position stopped at a stop
sign onto a two-lane street busy with traffic.
[0023] FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate a driving hazard module wherein a
novice driver is faced with a ball and pedestrian. FIG. 11A shows a
bird's eye view of a novice driver's vehicle advancing down a
two-way street with several vehicles parallel-parked at the curbs
on both sides. FIG. 11B shows a driver's view of same seen as FIG.
11A, wherein a pedestrian is partially visible to the novice
driver. FIG. 11C shows the pedestrian being partially visible to
the novice driver and a ball rolling into the street from where the
pedestrian is standing. FIG. 11D shows the novice vehicle stopped
adjacent the pedestrian as the ball continues to roll across the
street. FIG. 11E shows the novice vehicle stopped adjacent the
pedestrian as the pedestrian advances toward the street.
[0024] FIGS. 12A-12F illustrate a driving hazard module involving a
4-way intersection with only two stop signs, such that
cross-traffic does not stop. FIG. 12A shows a novice driver's
vehicle advancing down a two-way street, which does not have a stop
sign at an intersection, as another vehicle approaches from the
opposite direction on the same street and a further vehicle
approaches the stop sign at the right side of the intersection.
FIG. 12B shows the car from the opposite direction turning in front
of the novice driver's vehicle as the car at the right stops at the
stop sign. FIG. 12C shows car from the opposite direction in the
intersection directly in front the novice driver and the car at the
right is stopped at the stop sign. FIG. 12D shows the car at the
right stop sign beginning to turn right into the novice driver's
lane in front of the novice driver's vehicle. FIG. 12E shows the
novice driver's vehicle stopped at the intersection as the car from
the right continues to turn right through the intersection. FIG.
12F shows the novice driver's vehicle crossing the intersection
behind the car that had turned from the right.
[0025] FIG. 13A is an example of a home page for a web site through
which a novice driver would be invited to start a practice driver
or review past drives.
[0026] FIG. 13B is an example of a drive page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives or select a drive.
[0027] FIG. 13C is an example of a drive page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
presenting practice drives to a novice driver through a web site
interface.
[0029] FIG. 15A illustrates a further example of a home page for a
web site through which a novice driver would be invited to start a
practice driver or review past drives.
[0030] FIG. 15B is an example of a drives page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives or select a drive, wherein a "Neighborhood" drive is
selected.
[0031] FIG. 15C is an example of a drives page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives or select a drive, wherein a "Beyond Your Neighborhood"
drive is selected.
[0032] FIG. 15D is an example of a drives page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives or select a drive, wherein a "Downtown" drive is
selected.
[0033] FIG. 15E is an example of a drives page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives or select a drive, wherein a "Highway" drive is
selected.
[0034] FIG. 15F is an example of a drive page for a web site
through which a novice driver would be invited to review practice
drives.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
presenting practice drives to a novice driver through a web site
interface.
[0036] FIG. 17A is a flow chart illustrating an example process for
reviewing hazard modules of a practice drive.
[0037] FIG. 17B is a flow chart illustrating an alternative example
process for reviewing hazard modules of a practice drive.
[0038] FIG. 18A is a flow chart showing a process for grading
novice driver performance and applying discounts to an auto
insurance premium based on performance, wherein an insurance
premium discount may be applied if the novice driver has correctly
identified more than a predetermined percentage of the hazards in
each practice drive environment.
[0039] FIG. 18B shows a flow chart of a process, wherein an
insurance discount may be applied if the novice driver has
correctly identified more than a predetermined percentage of the
total number of hazards in all practice drive environments.
[0040] FIG. 18C is a flow chart showing an alternative process for
determining a discount based upon a number of correctly identified
hazards, so that at least a partial discount may be applied as long
as the novice driver correctly identifies at least one hazard.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Preferred embodiments and their advantages over the prior
art are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1A-18C below.
However, the present disclosure may be more easily understood in
the context of a high level description of certain embodiments.
[0042] Given the proven capacity of a still-frame pictorial
presentation format of the prior art Risk Awareness and Perception
Training ("RAPT") driver training system to improve novice drivers'
abilities to correctly identify hazards, research was conducted to
determine whether similar improved capacity could be obtained via
video animation formats or 3-D animation formats. Ninety-six novice
drivers participated in the research study. First, twenty-four
novice drivers were placed in a control group where they where
trained with the still-frame pictorial presentation format of the
RAPT system. Second, twenty-four novice drivers were placed in a
group that were trained on the same 9 separate hazard modules
presented in the RAPT system, but instead of still-frame pictorial
presentation format, the 9 separate hazards were presented via 9
separate video animations. Third, twenty-four novice drivers were
placed in a group that was trained on a Hazard Awareness Training
("HAT") program that comprise many different hazard modules linked
in series as one continuous drive through a particular environment
presented as an animated video. Fourth, twenty-four novice drivers
were placed in a group that was trained on a HAT program that
comprise many different hazard modules linked in series as one
continuous drive through a particular environment presented as a
3-D animated video. The results of the study showed that the novice
drivers in the second, third and fourth groups learned to correctly
identify hazards at least as well as the control group.
[0043] Real, on-the-road hazards such as cars that
`run-the-red-light`, erratic or aggressive driver behavior, and
construction zones are relatively rare. Furthermore, most people
would avoid practicing at locations where known patterns of such
erratic and dangerous behavior can be observed. By simulating these
driving behaviors, Road Aware can provide the user with these
experiences on a personal computer, thus helping to build the
schema and mental models from which the user can draw when he is
driving in the real world.
[0044] If the user fails to recognize these hazards, Road Aware may
allow the user to review what he missed and learn how to recognize
these conditions. The user is permitted to repeat the practice
drives and is encouraged to do so to improve his score.
[0045] User data generated by this application may be used for
research applications towards improvements and enhancements for the
application. Further, user performance data may be analyzed to
determine whether novice drivers who use this application are less
likely to be involved in crashes and collisions. An auto premium
discount may be applied for successful users of Road Aware.
[0046] A principal target audience for Road Aware may be a novice
driver, who may take a program as part of a driver education
course, but may also include more experienced drivers who require
additional driver safety training. The user may interact with Road
Aware on a personal computer (Windows- or Mac-based personal
computer) equipped with a mouse, keyboard, speakers, and broadband
internet access. The user may also interact with Road Aware on a
tablet computer (such as an Apple iPad or other tablet device),
smartphone, or other mobile device. The novice driver can use Road
Aware at home or in a formal instructional setting like a
classroom. Road Aware may simulate an end-to-end driving
experience, rather than simulating discrete hazard scenarios that
last between 30-60 seconds each. A Road Aware practice drive may
simulate an entire driving trip though a particular environment or
multiple environments, wherein the entire drive may last up to 30
minutes. Road Aware may be integrated into a suite of interventions
developed for Teen Drivers, wherein the interventions may include
Road Trips.TM. and the Driver Feedback System. Road Trips may help
novice drivers to plan and log actual practice drives. The Driver
Feedback System may use GPS and accelerometer technologies to
document the locations and driving conditions of actual drives,
including: quick accelerations, fast cornering, and hard
braking.
[0047] The training format may be an `on-the-rails` simulation,
wherein the user will not need to brake, accelerate or steer
because speed and steering may be controlled by the program. The
simulation format may require the novice driver to use his mouse or
other pointing device to click on parts of the scene where he is
looking/fixating to identify potential hazards. On
touchscreen-enabled devices such as smartphone or tablet devices,
the user may directly tap on areas of the screen where he is
looking. Alternative interface devices may also be used to detect
where a novice driver is looking/fixating during a training
practice drive.
[0048] The Graphic User Interface (GUI) during a practice drive may
present an interior of a car with visibility through the vehicle
windows to the landscape. The novice driver may be allowed to pan
left and right to see the left and right side windows, and be able
to use the driver- and passenger-side (L and R) and rear-view
mirrors as would normally be done when driving a real vehicle. Look
left and right may correspond to pan left and right with the mouse
to look at the side and rear view mirrors. Active speedometer and
dash display may be provided. To start the drive, a "Start Drive"
button will appear in the middle of the screen. When the user
clicks or taps on this virtual button, the practice drive begins.
As the practice drive proceeds, the user may use his mouse or
pointing device to click on areas of the drive where he is looking
or fixating, such as stationary objects, moving vehicles, or
pedestrians. At key points such as at intersections, the user may
be presented with a "Continue" button, at which time the virtual
car "driven" by the user may stop awaiting further input from the
user. The user may decide when it is safe to proceed with his
right-turn, left-turn or straight through maneuver. By clicking or
tapping on the "Continue" button, the user may signify that in his
view, it is safe to proceed and the practice drive continues. At
the conclusion of a drive, a popup window will appear to inform the
user that the drive has concluded, and clicking on the "Next"
button returns the user to the main menu.
[0049] In addition to clicking on stationary objects, moving
vehicles, or pedestrians, Road Aware may also monitor where the
user is looking Road Aware may detect when the user is looking at
his driver side, passenger side, or rear view mirror. If the user
pans to certain areas on the left or right side of the screen, the
Road Aware system may interpret this as a rapid look "over the
shoulder" left or right, respectively. The user may use this
functionality to make a safety check over his left or right
shoulder as he would if he were driving. Road Aware may also detect
whether the user is proactively scanning the road scene in
anticipation of a possible hazard. For example, while crossing
intersections, the user may choose to pan left or right in
anticipation of other vehicles that may not stop. Prior to changing
lanes to the left, the user may quickly pan to the left to
proactively look for vehicles in his left blind spot as he would if
he were driving. The Road Aware system will detect this as a
precautionary look to anticipate possible hazards.
[0050] An introduction may be provided to assist newer users of the
Road Aware training. The introduction may include: a welcome page,
what Road Aware training is and why it is important, how the
program is intended to work, and statements to get novice drivers
ready to learn about driving hazards. The introduction may be
viewed once (after first time login), and then be available from
the help menu after the initial viewing.
[0051] A tutorial may also be incorporated into Road Aware. An
objective of the tutorial may be to introduce the GUI interface and
the principal user interaction. It may introduce the GUI-Dashboard
(see above). It may explain how to start the drive by clicking on
the "Start Drive" button, explain how and why the user must click
on the parts of the drive where he is looking or fixating, or
explain the navigation of the main menu.
[0052] Different tutorial scenarios may be introduced that may
explain why the user must look at certain objects, vehicles, or
pedestrians in Road Aware. For example, three (3) introductory
tutorial hazard simulation modules may include: [0053] (1)
Pedestrian walking on the sidewalk--click on the pedestrian; audio
feedback when clicked on (no hazard or conflict); if the user does
not click on the pedestrian (the target) in a timely fashion, the
user is shown the birds-eye view of this scenario, then is allowed
to repeat the scenario two more times or until he clicks on the
target in a timely fashion. If the user fails to click on the
target three times, then the next scenario will appear. [0054] (2)
Vehicle backing from driveway--click on the vehicle before it
reaches the street; audio feedback when clicked on (Good job!); if
the user does not click on the vehicle (the target) in a timely
fashion, the user is shown the birds-eye view of this scenario,
then is allowed to repeat the scenario two more times or until he
clicks on the target in a timely fashion. If the user fails to
click on the target three times, then the next scenario will
appear. [0055] (3) Vehicle backing from driveway, occluded by
parked cars--click on the vehicle before it reaches the street;
audio feedback when the vehicle is clicked on correctly (Good
job!); if the user does not click on the vehicle (the target) in a
timely fashion, the user is shown the birds-eye view of this
scenario, then is allowed to repeat the scenario two more times or
until he clicks on the target in a timely fashion. If the user
fails to click on the target three times, then the next scenario
will appear.
[0056] The tutorial may also provide to the user a summary of
performance (metrics) based on the three hazard simulation modules
presented in the tutorial. The summary may include: [0057] (1)
Total number of clickable targets and precautionary looks by the
user during the completed practice drive; [0058] (2) Number of
targets identified correctly; [0059] (3) Percent of the maximum
score achieved by the user for this practice drive; [0060] (4)
Number of times that the user has completed this practice
drive.
[0061] The Road Aware training may also set expectations for
particular environments. For example, if the environment is a
practice drive in a Neighborhood environment, the novice driver may
be advised to expect to see pedestrians on the sidewalk, and
vehicles moving into traffic. The Neighborhood environment is a
good environment to learn to drive and learn to recognize hazards.
In this environment, hazards are usually (but not always) easily
seen. The novice driver may be advised that it is OK to look for,
and click on every moving object in view. Further, the novice
driver may be advised that as she begins to become more experienced
in detecting hazards, the novice driver should consider other ways
that these same scenarios could occur. The novice driver may also
be provided a definition of what constitutes a hazard.
[0062] The summary may also provide a way of showing the hazards
that the novice driver failed to recognize or failed to timely
recognize. The system may flag hazards that were missed. During the
playback format, an audio voiceover may be provided to help the
novice driver identify the hazard that was not recognized and
advise the novice driver information about the hazard. For example,
a novice driver could be told as follows. [0063] "At this location,
it's important to recognize that there are pedestrians/drivers
inside parked cars/vehicles that may be hidden by trees or bushes.
Younger pedestrians can also be more unpredictable as they may not
understand the driver's need for predictability. They may jump out
in the middle of the road in front of you when you least expect
it." [0064] "Drivers who are backing up may not see your vehicle.
Be prepared to stop if you see cars moving in a driveway."
[0065] Environment-based practice drives involve relatively lengthy
drives encountering multiple hazards through an environment,
including: Neighborhood, Beyond Your Neighborhood, Downtown, and
Highway, for example. Scenario-based practice drives are individual
segments or scenarios of an environment-based practice drive,
wherein individual segments or scenarios present a single hazard or
a few related hazards. The "Neighborhood" drive may comprise a
drive in a typical subdivision. The "Beyond Your Neighborhood"
drive may comprise roads with more traffic and higher speeds
compared to the neighborhood drive. The "Downtown" drive may
comprise a city roadscape presenting pedestrians, cyclists and
unpredictable challenges. The "Highway" drive may comprise travel
with high-speed traffic to provide a novice drive practice changing
lanes and merging at higher speeds.
[0066] Some embodiments of Road Aware use hazard scenario-based
practice drives through a particular environment. The novice driver
is put in an "on-rails" simulated driving condition where the user
has a mouse and PC screen. The user clicks on areas of the screen
where he anticipates a hazard may appear or has appeared. An
invisible-to-the-user target box is clickable for several seconds.
If clicked on, the program notes a `hit` that a hazard has been
successfully anticipated or recognized. Visual feedback may also be
presented to the user so that he knows that he has successfully
recognized or anticipated a hazard. During playback in plan view, a
check mark shows areas that the user has clicked on; an X mark
shows areas that the user failed to click on and should have. In
one embodiment, the user is allowed to repeat three times a hazard
module or scenario before advancing to the next scenario.
[0067] Other embodiments of the Road Aware training may use
environment-based practice drives that comprise a series of hazard
scenarios or modules. An environment-based practice drive may
comprise twenty or more different hazard modules. The novice driver
is "on-rails" in a simulated driving environment. The user has a
mouse and computer with audio; clicks on areas of the screen where
he anticipates a hazard may appear. The user may click on objects
or hazards. Objects include cars, pedestrians, etc. that could
potentially cross the path of the user. Hazards are those objects
that would collide with the user if no action is taken. The user
gets credit for clicking on objects and areas where hazards may
appear. The user may receive more credit for clicking on hazards or
anticipating hazards. The user may get credit for clicking on the
correct target only once. The user's score is tabulated and may be
compared with previous own scores, scores of others (networked), or
high scores for the week (networked). In this alternative
embodiment, the user only gets one attempt per hazard module so
that the entire environment must be completed in one continuous
drive.
[0068] In a playback mode (after drive review), the user can
playback his drive; where he clicks ("sees") those missed critical
"hazards," which are shown with an audio commentary about why those
events are important and where the user should be looking or
behaving. The user may also be given congratulations on correctly
identifying hazards. The program calculates a score for the user
based on the number of correctly identified hazards and
anticipatory looks against the maximum possible score in the
background. A score may be calculated as follows.
Total Score=.SIGMA.f(correctly identified hazards, anticipatory
looks)/.SIGMA.f(maximum score possible).
[0069] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a hazard simulation module depicting
another vehicle about to back onto the street in the path of the
novice driver. The objective is to teach the novice driver to look
for: occupants in parked vehicles; brake lights being illuminated
from parked vehicles; and parked vehicles beginning to move. As
shown in FIG. 1A, another vehicle is parked in a driveway on the
right side of the street, wherein the vehicle is facing away from
the street. The driver in the other vehicle is visible to the
novice drive through the passenger-side window. The brake lights of
the other vehicle come on as the novice driver approaches the
driveway. As shown in FIG. 1B, after a brief period of
illumination, the brake lights turn off and the other vehicle
starts to move slowly backward down the driveway toward the street.
The novice driver has about three seconds to click on a target box
before the other vehicle stops, and the target box is no longer
active.
[0070] In this hazard simulation module, the target box is
positioned so that the novice driver can click on it by clicking on
the other car. The novice driver will be successful if: the novice
driver clicks on the target box when it is observed that there is a
driver in the other car and the other car's brake lights come on.
This should be the first indication to the novice driver that the
other vehicle is about to move. The novice driver will be
`rewarded` more for clicking on the target box when the other
vehicle's brake lights first come on. The novice driver may also be
rewarded a lesser amount if the novice driver clicks on the other
vehicle as it is moving, but before that vehicle's brake lights
come on the second time.
[0071] During a tutorial portion of the simulation, a message point
may be made to the novice driver that drivers backing up onto the
street may not see your vehicle in time to stop. The novice driver
should be prepared to stop in case these vehicles do not stop.
[0072] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an alternative of the hazard
simulation module shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In this simulation, the
driveway is occluded by cars parked at the right-side curb between
the novice driver's approaching car and the driveway with the
parked other car. As shown in FIG. 2A, another vehicle is parked in
a driveway on the right-side of the street, wherein the vehicle is
facing away from the street. The driver in the other vehicle is
visible to the novice drive through the passenger-side window. The
brake lights of the other vehicle come on as the novice driver
approaches the driveway. However, the novice driver's view is at
least partially blocked by two cars parked at the curb on the
right-side of the street. As shown in FIG. 2B, after a brief period
of illumination, the brake lights turn off and the other vehicle
starts to move slowly backward down the driveway toward the street
as the novice driver's car approaches the two cars parked at the
curb just in front of the driveway. The novice driver has about
three seconds to click on a target box before the other vehicle's
tail lights illuminate and the vehicle stops, at which time the
target box is no longer active.
[0073] In yet another variation of this hazard simulation module, a
garage door opens and a car reverses out of a garage. This module
may test how soon the novice driver will recognize the opening of
the garage door as a potential driving hazard.
[0074] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a hazard simulation module depicting
a vehicle parked on the street, which pulls into a traffic lane in
front of a novice driver's vehicle. The objective of this hazard
simulation module is to teach a novice driver to look for: (1)
occupants in parked vehicles; (2) brake lights being illuminated in
parked vehicles; (3) turn signals flashing from parked vehicles;
and (4) parked vehicles beginning to move. As shown in FIG. 3A, the
other vehicle is parked at the curb on the right-side of the street
as the novice driver's vehicle approaches. The other vehicle is
parallel parked at the curb on the right-side of the street facing
the same direction as the novice driver's vehicle. In FIG. 3B, the
novice driver's vehicle continues to approach as the other car
remains parked at the curb. However, in both FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
driver in the other vehicle is visible to the novice driver through
the rear window of the other vehicle. In FIG. 3C, the brake lights
of the other vehicle come on and the left turn signal illuminates
as the first indication that the other vehicle is about to enter
the traffic lane. As shown in FIG. 3D, the other vehicle then pulls
into the traffic lane in front of the advancing novice driver's
vehicle directly in the path of the proceeding novice driver's
vehicle and the novice driver's vehicle is required to slow down to
avoid a collision with the other vehicle.
[0075] The other vehicle's turn signal is on for about 3 seconds
before the other vehicle pulls into the traffic lane, so that the
novice driver has about 3 seconds to click on the target box (the
other vehicle) before the other vehicle begins to pull out into the
traffic lane, and the target box is no longer active. The novice
driver will be rewarded if: (1) the novice driver recognizes that
the other vehicle has a driver in the driver's seat and recognizes
the left turn signal indication as soon as it appears; (2) the
novice driver clicks the target box when the other vehicle's brake
lights come on; and (3) the novice driver clicks on the target box
before the other vehicle begins moving, wherein the amount of the
award decreases, respectively.
[0076] If the novice driver's vehicle is moving at about 20 mph,
then 3 seconds allows the novice driver's vehicle to travel about
88 feet; the other vehicle animation may begin when the novice
driver's vehicle is about 100' from the other vehicle. The message
point for the tutorial portion of the module may be that cars
pulling out into traffic don't always yield the right-of-way or
signal that they are about to go into traffic. Novice drivers
should look for warning signs like people sitting in the driver's
seat and brake lights.
[0077] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a hazard simulation module similar to
that of FIGS. 3A-3D, wherein a vehicle is depicted parallel-parked
on the street between two other cars, and the vehicle pulls into a
traffic lane in front of a novice driver's vehicle. The objective
of this hazard simulation module is to teach a novice driver to
look for: (1) occupants in parked vehicles; (2) brake lights being
illuminated in parked vehicles; (3) turn signals flashing from
parked vehicles; and (4) parked vehicles beginning to move. As
shown in FIG. 4A, the other vehicle is parallel-parked between two
other vehicles at the curb on the right-side of the street facing
the same direction as the novice driver's vehicle. The novice
driver's vehicle approaches in the traffic lane. The driver in the
other vehicle is only partially visible to the novice driver
through the rear window because there is a vehicle parked behind
the other vehicle. In FIG. 4B, the brake lights of the other
vehicle come on and the left turn signal illuminates as the first
indication that the other vehicle is about to enter the traffic
lane. Similar to the module shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the other vehicle
then pulls into the traffic lane in front of the advancing novice
driver's vehicle directly in the path of the proceeding novice
driver's vehicle and the novice driver's vehicle is required to
slow down to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. The novice
driver may be rewarded more for recognizing the other vehicle as a
potential hazard as early as possible.
[0078] This hazard simulation module may be further modified to
include a car (parked) is occluded by a larger truck. A further
modification may include several parallel-parked cars that have
drivers visible, but only one of the vehicles moves (indicated by
active brake lights). A still further modification may be where the
parallel-parked other vehicle has a broken tail light and the first
indication of a hazard is actual movement of the other vehicle into
the traffic lane.
[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates a hazard simulation module depicting a
pedestrian walking/gliding along a sidewalk. The novice driver
should recognize the presence of the pedestrian by
clicking/fixating on him, wherein the target box is over the
pedestrian. The learning objective of this hazard simulation module
is to teach a novice driver to learn to detect the presence of
pedestrians through: (1) detection of movement; (2) patterns of
pedestrian traffic; and (3) detection and recognition of warning
signs or events. In this scenario, a pedestrian is visible a
walking parallel to the path of the novice driver. No actual hazard
is presented here, but the novice driver should detect the presence
of a pedestrian by the pedestrian's movement. The novice driver
will be `successful` if the novice driver recognizes that the
pedestrian is moving on the sidewalk. The novice driver will be
`rewarded` more for clicking on the pedestrian early and repeatedly
to make sure that the pedestrian does not change direction. During
a tutorial portion of the module, a message point may be that
pedestrians walking along a street may change direction and cross
in front of you. Novice drivers should be watchful for sudden
changes in direction by pedestrians or cyclists that may require
the novice driver to stop.
[0080] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a pedestrian (child) standing on the
sidewalk near a crosswalk at an intersection. The learning
objective of this hazard simulation module is to detect and
anticipate the presence of pedestrians through: (1) recognition of
pedestrians near a crosswalk; and (2) patterns of pedestrian
traffic. In this scenario, pedestrian(s) are stationary at or near
a crosswalk location. No actual hazard is presented here, but the
novice driver should detect the presence of pedestrians and the
possibility that they might move out into the crosswalk in front of
them. As shown in FIG. 6A, a pedestrian is standing at or near a
crosswalk at an intersection. This could be a young child who might
be waiting for a school bus to arrive. The target box is over the
pedestrian. FIG. 6B shows the novice driver's vehicle approaching
the intersection where the pedestrian is standing at a corner by a
stop sign. FIG. 6C illustrates how the novice driver's vehicle
approaches the intersection. FIG. 6D shows the novice driver's
vehicle stopped at the intersection with the brake lights
illuminated. The novice driver may be `successful` if the novice
driver recognizes that the pedestrian may begin moving across the
path of the novice driver. The novice driver may be `rewarded` more
for clicking on the pedestrian early and repeatedly to make sure
that the novice driver is aware of the potential that the
pedestrian may begin to move into the cross-walk.
[0081] Alternative variations of this hazard simulation module
could include a stop sign where the pedestrian is occluded by a
tree or another vehicle parked at the curb. A message point during
a tutorial portion of the module may be to advise the novice driver
that child pedestrians should be treated as especially
unpredictable. Drivers should be prepared to stop if the pedestrian
does something unexpected. The module could illustrate by having
the pedestrian crossing in front of the car at the crosswalk.
[0082] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a hazard simulation module wherein a
vehicle door opens along a line of parked cars (on-street). The
learning objective of the module is to teach how to look for
warning signs regarding parked cars indicating that the cars may be
occupied and that doors may open in such a way to pose a hazard for
the novice driver. In this simulation, the street narrows due to
on-street parking. As shown in FIG. 7A, several vehicles are
parallel-parked bumper-to-bumper at the right curb. The novice
driver approaches cars parked along the right side of the road. In
one of the cars ahead on the right, a passenger is visible in the
rear window. The novice driver's vehicle is approaching in the
traffic lane, which runs beside the parked vehicles. One of the
vehicles in the line of parked vehicles has its brake lights
illuminated. As shown in FIG. 7B, the novice driver's vehicle has
advanced and is about to pass the parked cars, as the vehicle with
the illuminated brake lights has its driver's-side door open and
extending into the traffic lane. During the initial stages of the
simulation, the target box may be over the passenger visible inside
the parked vehicle. During later stages of the simulation, the
target box may be over the illuminated tail lights and or the open
car door. novice driver will be `successful` if: (1) the novice
driver clicks on the occupant inside the parked vehicle; and (2)
the novice driver clicks on the door opening into the traffic
lane.
[0083] Alternative modifications of the module may include a
narrower street or a one-way street with parking on both sides,
wherein car(s) on either side of the street may open doors. A
message point for a tutorial portion of the module may be to teach
drivers to expect that drivers won't always check their mirrors
before leaving their vehicles. When driving alongside parked cars,
novice drivers should look for people who might open their car
doors in front of them, or brake lights that appear. A car door
opening may be shown in a second photo or video to illustrate the
point.
[0084] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a pedestrian (child) crossing a
street at an intersection cross walk. The learning objective of
this hazard simulation module is to detect and anticipate the
presence of pedestrians through: (1) recognition of pedestrians at
a crosswalk; and (2) patterns of pedestrian traffic. In this
scenario, pedestrian(s) are stationary at or near a crosswalk
location. In this scenario, the pedestrian is visible to the novice
driver and is walking along the sidewalk. The pedestrian crosses
the street well ahead of the novice driver so that no actual hazard
or conflict is possible. As shown in FIG. 8A, a pedestrian is
standing at or near a crosswalk at an intersection. This could be a
young child who might be waiting for a school bus to arrive. The
pedestrian may be seen for at least 5 seconds before the novice
driver's vehicle arrives at the crosswalk. The target box is over
the pedestrian. FIG. 8B shows the pedestrian entering the street
and crossing at the cross-walk as the novice driver's vehicle
approaches the intersection. The novice driver may be `successful`
if the novice driver recognizes that the pedestrian may begin
moving across the path of the novice driver. The novice driver may
be `rewarded` more for clicking on the pedestrian early.
[0085] Alternative variations of this hazard simulation module
could include a stop sign where the pedestrian is occluded by a
tree or another vehicle parked at the curb. It may further include
a car behind the novice driver's vehicle that is honking
(aggressive driving). A message point during a tutorial portion of
the module may be to advise the novice driver that pedestrians may
cross in front of cars.
[0086] FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate a hazard simulation module depicting
a novice driver at four-way STOP (Left-Right-Left look). The
objective of this hazard simulation module is to teach a novice
driver to give way to other vehicles that arrive at the four-way
stop sign first. During this simulation, an "up" arrow, which means
"Proceed," will be active and when clicked by the novice driver
will move the ND vehicle forward. The novice driver will
successfully navigate the hazard simulation module by waiting until
the appropriate time to click on the "up" arrow.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a novice driver's vehicle
approaches a four-way intersection controlled by STOP signs.
Referring to FIG. 9C, two other vehicles arrive at the intersection
before the novice driver's vehicle, one approaching from the right
and the other approaching from the left. The novice driver's
vehicle arrives last at the intersection. The `up` arrow, meaning
`Proceed` becomes active and, when clicked by the novice driver,
will move the novice driver vehicle forward. As shown in FIG. 9D,
the other vehicle at the right first enters the intersection and
crosses the intersection from right to left. As shown in FIG. 9E,
the other vehicle at the left next enters the intersection and
crosses the intersection from left to right. FIG. 9F shows that the
novice driver's vehicle remains stopped at the STOP sign until the
second of the other vehicles has cleared the intersection and
departs toward the right. FIG. 9G shows the novice driver's vehicle
entering the intersection and driving straight through it.
[0088] The novice driver should not click on the `Proceed` button
before the other vehicles have passed through the intersection. The
novice driver will be `successful` if the novice driver allows the
other vehicles proceed through the intersection before clicking on
the `Proceed` (up arrow) button. The novice driver may also be
`rewarded` more for looking left, right, and left before proceeding
into the intersection.
[0089] This hazard simulation module may be modified to include a
third vehicle (OV3) approaching from the left side so as to appear
if and only if the novice driver fails to look left a second time
before proceeding through the intersection.
[0090] FIG. 10 illustrates a hazard simulation module wherein
novice driver will stop at two-way intersection controlled by two
STOP signs, and allow traffic to pass, before proceeding. This
module may be called a "gap acceptance" module. The objective is to
teach a novice driver to look left, right and left before
proceeding into the intersection. As shown in FIG. 10, the novice
driver's vehicle will approach a two-way STOP controlled
intersection with the intent to stop and then to turn right at the
intersection. The cross-traffic from the left and right has no STOP
signs and does not stop. After the novice driver vehicle comes to a
complete stop, the `Proceed` button becomes available.
[0091] After the novice driver's vehicle comes to a stop at the
intersection, four other vehicles go through the intersection:
three from the left and one from the right. The gap between the
three vehicles arriving from the left may be between 3 and 5
seconds. The first vehicle from the left will arrive within a
second of the arrival of the novice driver's vehicle arrival at the
intersection. The second vehicle from the left may arrive three
seconds after the first vehicle and the third vehicle may arrive
five seconds after the second vehicle. A fourth vehicle may arrive
from the left and will arrive at the intersection three seconds
after the third vehicle. novice driver will be `successful` if: (1)
he waits until all vehicles have cleared the intersection; and (2)
he will be `rewarded` more if he looks left, right, left before
proceeding. A message point for a tutorial portion may be to
explain to the novice driver that before entering an intersection,
he must make sure to look left, right- and left again before
proceeding, such that it's important to look to the left a second
time since in the direction that vehicles nearest to you could be
approaching.
[0092] In alternative embodiments of this hazard simulation module,
an infinite number of vehicles may approach from the left with gaps
of either 3 or 6 seconds and the challenge is for the novice driver
to choose a "correct" larger gap in which to proceed. In a further
alternative embodiment, a pedestrian may remain stationary near the
STOP sign on the near right sidewalk. The pedestrian remains
visible and stationary at the intersection near the STOP sign
during the entire simulation module. A target box is active over
the pedestrian during the entire simulation module. The pedestrian
adds a challenge to the novice drive, because the novice driver
must first check that the traffic lane is free of cars and second
check that the pedestrian is not moving, before the novice driver
may proceed into the intersection. In this embodiment, the novice
driver will be "successful" if: (1) he waits until all vehicles
have cleared the intersection; and (2) he will be `rewarded` more
if he looks left, right, left and clicks on the pedestrian before
proceeding.
[0093] According to a hazard simulation module illustrated in FIGS.
11A-11E, a ball rolls/bounces from left to right across a traffic
lane of a novice driver's vehicle. The objective of this module is
for the novice driver to learn to recognize a possible hazard on
the right side of the road in the direction from which the ball has
appeared. In this module, the novice driver will be driving along a
narrow street where vehicles are parallel-parked on both sides. A
ball bounces out from between two cars on the right. As shown in
FIG. 11A, cars are parked on both sides of the street as the novice
driver's vehicle is driving down the street in the traffic lane
past the parked cars. FIG. 11B shows how the parked vehicles at
least partially block the novice driver's view of pedestrians on
the sidewalks. Approximately 60 feet or two seconds before the
novice driver passes the front of a particular vehicle on the right
side of the street, as shown in FIG. 11C, a ball bounces out from
in front of the particular vehicle. As shown in FIG. 11D, the
novice driver's vehicle is adjacent the parked car from where the
ball originated, the ball has bounced into the left lane, and a
pedestrian is partially visible between the cars. A target box is
between the cars where the ball originated. In FIG. 11E, as the
novice driver vehicle passes the minivan, the pedestrian is more
fully visible between the vehicles parked on the side of the road.
The target box is at the pedestrian.
[0094] The novice driver will be `successful` if she clicks in the
space between the cars from where the ball came into the street.
For a tutorial instruction to the novice driver, a message point
could be made instructing the novice driver to be aware of the
possibility of pedestrians appearing between parked cars, wherein
one must not assume that everyone else can see one's vehicle. Of
course, rather than a ball bouncing out from between the cars, it
could be a cyclist or a skater.
[0095] FIGS. 12A-12F illustrate a novice driver driving straight
through intersection. A vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction turns left in front of novice driver into a side street;
and a second other vehicle is turning from the side street into the
traffic lane in front of the novice driver's vehicle. The learning
objective of this hazard simulation module is to teach a novice
driver that there may be multiple threats or hazards in the same
situation and both are of equal importance to being a safer
driver.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 12A, in this module, novice driver's
vehicle approaches a four-way intersection, wherein STOP signs are
posted at two opposite ways, and the cross-traffic on which the
novice driver's vehicle is driving does not stop. FIG. 12A further
illustrates a first other vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction as that of the novice driver's vehicle and signaling a
left-turn, while a second other vehicle is approaching the STOP
sign on the right. FIG. 12B shows the first other vehicle turning
left through the intersection in front of the novice driver's
vehicle as the novice driver's vehicle continues to drive toward
the intersection and the second other vehicle has stopped at the
STOP sign on the right. FIG. 12C shows the first other vehicle
turning left in front of the novice driver's vehicle as the novice
driver's vehicle has nearly reached the intersection and the second
other vehicle remains stopped at the STOP sign on the right. FIG.
12C further shows how the first other vehicle is about to pass
through the direct line of sight between the second other vehicle
and the novice driver's vehicle, so that there will be a brief
period of time when the driver of the second other vehicle may not
be able to see the novice driver's vehicle. As shown in FIG. 12D,
the first other vehicle has completed its left turn through the
intersection and is driving passed the second other vehicle, and
the novice driver's vehicle has nearly slowed to a stop to allow
the first other vehicle to make its left turn in front of the
novice driver's vehicle. Importantly, the second other vehicle has
begun to move away from it position at the STOP sign at the right
and is beginning to make a right-hand turn into the traffic lane
directly in front of the novice driver's vehicle. Presumably, the
driver of the second vehicle was unable to see the novice driver's
vehicle advancing toward the intersection because the view was
momentarily blocked by the passing first other vehicle. As shown in
FIG. 12E, the second other vehicle makes a right-hand turn through
the intersection immediately in front of the novice driver's
vehicle, which is driving straight through the intersection behind
the second other vehicle. FIG. 12F shows the second other vehicle
accelerating away from the intersection with the novice driver's
vehicle immediately behind.
[0097] Novice driver will be `successful` if the novice driver
clicks on both other vehicles before crossing the intersection.
This module may be modified, for example, such that after turning
right in front of the ND, the second vehicle stops to wait for a
pedestrian to cross a driveway before turning left into that
driveway. Another modification may be, for a commercial
environment, a third vehicle blocks the view of second vehicle to
the novice driver vehicle.
[0098] While the hazard simulation modules illustrated in FIGS.
1A-12F are shown as still photographs, embodiments of the invention
may implement animation, 3D animation, or actual video footage for
viewing by the novice driver.
[0099] FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a graphic user interface according
to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 13A, a "Home" page is
illustrated which provides a summary pane and a question pane
asking the novice drive what the driver would like to do. The
summary pane 1301 provides a total number of practice drives. The
summary pane 1301 further provides radiance and practice drives
wherein parking lot, residential, and intermediate roads. Practice
drives are indicated as having been completed. The summary pane
1301, as illustrated, further provides radiance for commercial
roads, highway, and additional challenges, wherein none of these
practice drives are indicated as having been completed. FIG. 13A
further illustrates an inquiry pane 1302 which asks the novice
driver what the drive would like to do. In particular, the driver
is asked whether he would like to do start a practice drive, or
review past drives. Further options are provided when a novice
driver may view instructions or change settings.
[0100] FIG. 13B illustrates a window under a "Drives" tab. This
window provides a practice drive pane 1303 and select drive pane
1304. In the practice drives pane 1303, a total percentage is
provided for the percent of drives attempted by the novice driver.
The practice drive pane 1303 further provides icons for the novice
driver to select particular driving environments including: parking
lot, residential, intermediate roads, commercial roads, highway,
and challenges. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the residential
practice drives have been selected. The select drive pane 1304 as
illustrated, provides information about the residential practice
drives. In this case, the novice driver has completed two drives
and has yet to complete a third drive. In each of the first two
drives, the novice driver had done a nice job of recognizing and
anticipating hazards in this environment. The novice driver is
presented icons which allow the novice driver to repeat the drive,
or start a new drive. A further icon is provided which allows the
novice driver to select the next environment.
[0101] FIG. 13C illustrates a window under the "Review" tab. This
review window contains a practice log pane 1305 and a history pane
1306. In the illustrated practice log pane 1305, it is indicated
that 13 drives have been completed, wherein ten parking lot
practices drives, one residential practice drive, and three
intermediate practice drives are indicated as having been started.
The practice log pane 1305 further indicates that no commercial
road drives, highway drives, or additional challenge drives have
been started. The history pane 1306 provides information regarding
selected environments from the practice log pane 1305.
Alternatively, the history pane 1306 may provide most recent
practice drive information. Still further, the history pane 1306
may comprise a review all practice drives icon which, when
selected, provides information about all practice drives. The
history pane 1306 may provide the name of the practice drive, the
environment in which the practice drive had been made, the time at
which the practice drive was completed, and an indication of the
score received which is reflective of the novice driver's
competence in identifying hazards.
[0102] FIG. 14 provides a flow-chart, which illustrates an
embodiment of the invention for navigating the various windows of
the graphic-user interface. Process begins by launching the
application from the State Farm Teen Driver website (TDS 1301). The
novice driver is then questioned about whether he has watched the
introductory video at 1402. If not, the introductory video is
launched at 1403. After the introductory video is complete, the
home window 1404 is launched. If the novice driver had already
watched the introductory video, the home window 1404 would be
launched without launching the video. The home window 1404 provides
the following options: choose tutorial 1405, Road Aware home 1406,
and message 1407. Under the choose tutorial option 1405, there is
provided icons for introductory video and pre-drive tutorial. If
the novice driver selects the introductory video icon within the
choose tutorial 1405, then the introductory video would be launched
1403. If the novice driver selects the pre-drive tutorial icon then
the pre-drive tutorial would be launched 1408. After either the
launch of the introductory video 1403 or the launch of the
pre-drive tutorial 1408, control is returned to the Road Aware home
1406. Within the Road Aware home 1406, icons are provided for:
let's practice, review past practice, view instructions, and
settings. If "let's practice" is selected, the novice driver is
asked whether he has watched the pre-drive tutorial. If not, the
pre-drive tutorial is launched 1403. If the novice driver has
watched the pre-drive tutorial, then the novice driver is asked if
there is an incomplete drive. If there is an incomplete drive, then
control goes to the message option 1407 wherein the novice driver
is given opportunity to continue a drive or do a drive over.
[0103] The flow-chart diagram of FIG. 14 further comprises a drive
module 1409 corresponding to the drive tab of the graphic-user
interface. The novice driver is given an option to select a drive
to practice 1410. Once the driver has selected a drive to practice,
a practice driver within an environment (E.sub.iD.sub.i) is
launched 1411. During the E.sub.iD.sub.i practice drive, a record
1412 is made of the clicks and hits so as to provide a quick/hit
visual feedback. During the launched E.sub.iD.sub.i practice drive,
the novice driver may also select a pause menu 1413. In the pause
menu, the novice driver may select map, continue, restart, or save
and quit. After the launched E.sub.iD.sub.i practice drive is
completed, the novice driver is given opportunity to restart the
practice drive. If yes, the program goes back to launch ED,
practice drive 1411. If not, a determination is made as to whether
the practice drive has been prematurely quit or is not complete. If
the answer to that inquiry is "no," then the drive is identified as
complete as E.sub.iD.sub.iT.sub.n final drive. If the answer is
"yes" that the drive has not been completed, then the incomplete
drive persists and is saved as an incomplete drive. Completed
drives are saved at 1414 and incomplete drives are saved at
1415.
[0104] A review module 1416 is also illustrated which corresponds
to the review module of FIG. 13C. The review module 1416 provides a
list 1417 of the most recent practice of each drive. From this list
1417, the novice may select a drive or view all drives. If the user
selects a drive, then an E.sub.iD.sub.iT.sub.n practice drive is
launched for a 1418. If novice driver has selected all drives then
a log summary 1419 will be displayed. From the log summary 1419,
the novice driver may also launch an E.sub.iD.sub.iT.sub.n practice
driver 1418. From within the review module 1416, the novice driver
may select map view 1420. The map view 1420 may be a view all or a
view missed option selection relative to the hazards on the maps.
Finally, within the review module 1416, the novice driver may
create a sequence 1421 of result message plus hazard image plus
tutorial launch. From within the sequences created 1421, the novice
driver may go backward and forward within the sequence.
[0105] FIGS. 15A-15F illustrate an alternative embodiment of a
graphic user interface. FIG. 15A a home page, FIGS. 15B-15E
illustrate drive pages under a drive tab and FIG. 15F illustrates a
review page under a review tab.
[0106] The home page illustrated at FIG. 15A provides a review log
pane 1501 and a home pane 1502. The review log pane 1501 provides a
number of practice drives attempted, in this case, six of 12. The
review log pane 1501 further provides information regarding current
ratings for different drive environment, including: residential,
intermediate, downtown, and highway. Alternatively, the pane of
practice drive may be included in the system, for example it could
indicate two of four practice drives have been attempted. Further,
any variety of environments may be provided under the current
ratings, in particular, neighborhood, beyond your neighborhood,
downtown, and highway. In the review log pane 1501, the current
ratings may be indicated by a sliding scale which shows number of
practice drives completed and/or the scores obtained for each
practice drive for an average score of practice drives. Further the
review log pane 1501 may include icons which a novice drive may use
to select or view individual practice drives. The home pane 1502
allows a novice driver to indicate what he would like to do. In
particular, a novice driver may indicate if he would like to start
a practice drive, review pass drives, view instructions or change
settings. If the novice driver wants to select a practice drive or
start a practice drive, the novice driver may select this option if
he is ready to practice scanning for hazards in a driving
environment. If the user is ready to review past drives, he may
select this option if he has completed some practice drives and
wants to see how he did. View instructions may be selected if the
novice driver wants to see the instructions on how to use the Road
Aware training program. The novice drive may also select "change
settings" if he wants to change the settings.
[0107] As illustrated in 15B, the drive tab provides a drive window
wherein two panes are shown: a practice drives pane 1503 and a
select drive pane 1504. The practice drives pane 1503 again
provides a number of practice drives attempted, in this case, six
of 12. The practice drives pane 1503 also contains a list of
environments which the novice driver may select, including:
neighborhood, beyond your neighborhood, downtown, and highway.
These environments may also contain a sliding scale which shows a
number of drives completed, a score for individual drives, or an
average score for all drives completed for the particular
environment. In the situation illustrated in FIG. 15B, the practice
drives pane 1503 has the neighborhood environment selected.
[0108] FIG. 15B also illustrates a select drive pane 1504. In the
illustrated situation, a neighborhood environment has been selected
for the select drive pane 1504. The select pane 1504 contains
information about the environment, in written form and pictorial
form. The pane further comprises an icon wherein the novice driver
may repeat the drive. The select drive pane 1504 further comprises
an icon for the novice driver to select a next environment. In FIG.
15B, the select drive pane 1504 is of a neighborhood environment
where the environment features lower traffic speeds and volume,
where the novice driver may occasionally see young children
playing.
[0109] In FIG. 15C, a practice drives pane 1503 is shown wherein a
"beyond your neighborhood" environment is selected. A select drive
pane 1504 is also shown, wherein the selected environment is
"beyond your neighborhood." In the beyond your neighborhood
environment, a novice driver may experience roads with more traffic
and higher speeds. In this environment, the roads are relatively
wider with multiple lanes.
[0110] FIG. 15D illustrates a drive window under the drives tab,
wherein the practice drives pane 1503 is similar to that previously
shown, except that a downtown environment is selected. A select
drive pane 1504 is also illustrated, for a downtown environment. In
the downtown environment, the novice driver may expect to see more
pedestrians, cyclists and unpredictable challenges. Further, the
novice driver should expect to see slower traffic, aggressive
drivers, and inattentive pedestrians in the downtown environment.
Of course, icons are provided for the novice driver to start this
drive, select a previous environment, or select next
environment.
[0111] FIG. 15E illustrates a drive window under the drives tab. A
practice drive pane 1503 is similar to that previously illustrated
except that a highway environment is selected. Also the drives
window of 15E illustrates a select drive pane 1504 wherein a
highway environment is illustrated. In the highway environment, the
novice driver may travel along high speed roads so as to practice
scanning for hazards while changing lanes and merging. Icons are
provided so as to allow the novice driver to select this drive or
previous environments.
[0112] FIG. 15F illustrates a review window under a review tab of
the graphic-user interface. A review log pane 1505 is provided,
which indicates the number of drives completed, and the timed
rating per environment for the up to five most recent drives. In
particular, the review log pane 1505 provides sliding scale
indicators for each of the environments. Icons are also provided
for the novice driver to view drive information for each of the
environments. FIG. 15F further provides a review pane 1506 that
provides information regarding a selected drive or the most recent
practice drives. The review pane 1506 provides the name of the
drive, the date and time at which the drive was taken, the
environment in which the drive was taken, and the percent of drive
completion. The review pane 1506 further provides icons, which the
novice driver may select to review particular drives. The review
pane 1506 also provides a sliding scale indicator for the score
that was obtained by the novice driver for completed or incomplete
drives.
[0113] FIG. 16 illustrates a process flow diagram for navigation
between the home, drives, and review windows of the graphic-user
interface embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15F. A TDS is
launched 1507 and an inquiry is made as to whether novice driver
has watched an introductory video. If the driver has not watched
the video, an introductory "expectations setting" video is launched
1508. If the novice driver has watched the introductory video, then
control goes to the Road Aware home 1509. The Road Aware home 1509
comprises several options for the novice driver, including: let's
practice, review past practice, view instructions, settings. If the
novice driver selects the view instructions icon, control goes to
"choose tutorial" menu 1510 that allows the novice driver to select
an introductory video or a pre-drive tutorial. If the introductory
video is selected then control goes to launch and introductory
1508. If the pre-drive tutorial is selected then control goes
launch a pre-drive UI tutorial 1511. From the Road Aware home menu
1509, if the user selects the settings icon, the novice driver may
then be allowed to change audio settings globally at 1512. If the
novice driver selects "let's practice" from the Road Aware home
menu, the novice driver may be asked whether he has watched a
pre-drive tutorial. If not, a pre-drive tutorial UI may be launched
1508. If the drive has seen the tutorial, then the driver may be
questioned as to whether there is an incomplete drive. If there are
incomplete drives, then control will pass to a message menu 1513.
From the message menu 1513, the novice driver may select a continue
drive icon or a start another drive icon. If the continue drive
icon is selected, then control launch a drive from the last
completed hazard 1514. If the novice driver selects a "start
another drive" icon from the message menu 1513, then control goes
to delete incomplete drive 1515. If incomplete drives are deleted
1515 then control transfer to allow the novice drive to select an
environment to practice 1516. If user selects an environment to
practice 1516, then the system will randomly select practice drives
1517 from those that are available in E. The practice drives may be
designated as D. After the system has selected practice drives
1517, then the practice drives in the particular environment
"E.sub.iD.sub.i" are launched 1518. Whether the practice drives are
launched from those randomly selected 1518 or from the last
completed hazard 1514, the system records 1519 the clicks, hits,
panes, mirror looks, and provides quick/hit visual feedback. During
the drive, the novice driver may select a pause menu 1520 which
provides options for map, continue, restart, save and quit. Within
the drives navigation windows the novice driver may restart, which
will launch randomly selected practice drive from within the
environment 1518, or quit. If the drive is quit before the drive is
complete then the incomplete drive will be saved 1521. Completed
drives are saved as final 1522.
[0114] From the review window, illustrated at FIG. 15F, a novice
driver may navigate to a list 1523 of the most recent practice of
each drive. From this list 1523, the novice driver may select a
drive, or view all drives. If the user selects a drive, then
control goes to launch 1524 a drive from a particular environment
"E.sub.iD.sub.iT.sub.a." If the user selects "view all drives" from
the list 1523 of the most recent practice of each drive, then a log
summary 1525 should be provided. From the logs summary 1525, the
novice driver may select or launch drives 1524. When the drives are
launched 1524 in the review window, a map view menu 1526 is
provided. The map view 1526 allows the novice drive to view all, or
view missed. From the map view drive selection 1526, a sequence may
be created 1527, which includes a results message plus a hazard
image, plus a tutorial launch. The novice driver may go backward
and forward in the sequence list to review different drives.
[0115] FIG. 17A provides a process flow diagram for interactively
interfacing with the novice drive during a practice drive. The
program begins with the launch 1701 of a practice drive. The
program may assign variables including Practice Drive (P), total
Hazards (N), and total Hazard Types (T). A variable module 1702 is
provided, wherein variables "n" and "t" represent the number of
times a hazard of a particular type has been encountered and the
types of hazards, respectively. As the novice driver encounters
hazards during the practice drive, the program increments the
variables "n" and "t" by one, so as to be able to track whether
this is the first, second, or more times hazards of particular
types have been encountered. If the program detects that it is the
first type the novice driver has encountered a hazard of a
particular type, the program follows the subroutine beginning with
the launch 1701. If the program detects that a hazard of a
particular type has been encountered once before, the program
follows the subroutine beginning with the launch 1711. If the
program detects that a hazard of a particular type has been
encountered more than once within the practice drive, the program
follows the subroutine beginning with the launch 1721.
[0116] The program determines how the novice drive has anticipated
each hazard, for example, within the subroutine beginning with
launch 1701, novice driver responses are categorized as: correct
1703, partial 1704, or incorrect 1705. If the response is correct,
an audio output is provided. If the response is partially correct,
the practice drive will automatically pause and a voiceover is
output stating: "you only got part of that last hazard." If the
response is incorrect, the practice drive will automatically pause
and a voiceover is output stating: "Uh-oh--you missed a
hazard--let's see what you missed." After the voiceover has been
provided in response to a partially missed hazard, the novice
driver is asked 1706 whether he would like to see what was missed.
If the novice driver indicates "no", then the program un-pauses and
continues 1709 the practice drive. After the voiceover has been
provided in response to an incorrect hazard response or if the
novice driver indicates a "yes" after a partially missed hazard, a
summary 1707 of the hazard is provided with a CONTINUE icon. Next,
a video of the hazard is played back 1708 in a cinema view and the
name of the hazard is provided as part of the video. After the
playback, the program unpauses and continues 1709 the practice
drive. The practice drive continues 1710 to the next hazard.
[0117] If the encountered hazard has been encountered once before
1711, the variables are incremented 1712 and novice driver
responses are categorized as: correct 1713, partial 1714, or
incorrect 1715. If the response is correct, an audio output is
provided and the program continues 1720 to the next hazard. If the
response is partially correct, the practice drive will
automatically pause and a voiceover is output stating: "you only
got part of that last hazard." If the response is incorrect, the
practice drive will automatically pause and a voiceover is output
stating: "Uh-oh--you missed a hazard." After either of the
voiceovers have been provided in response to a partially missed or
undetected hazard, the novice driver is asked 1716 whether he would
like to see what was missed. If the novice driver indicates "no",
then the program un-pauses and continues 1719 the practice drive.
If the novice driver indicates "yes", a summary 1717 of the hazard
is provided with a CONTINUE icon. Next, a video of the hazard is
played back 1718 in a cinema view and the name of the hazard is
provided as part of the video. After the playback, the program
unpauses and continues 1719 the practice drive. The practice drive
continues 1720 to the next hazard.
[0118] If the encountered hazard has been encountered more than
once before 1721, the variables are incremented 1722 and novice
driver responses are categorized as: correct 1723, partial 1724, or
incorrect 1725. If the response is correct, an audio output is
provided and the program continues 1730 to the next hazard. If the
response is partially correct, a voiceover is output stating: "you
only got part of that last hazard." If the response is incorrect, a
voiceover is output stating: "Uh-oh--you missed a hazard." After
either of the voiceovers have been provided in response to a
partially missed or incorrect hazard, a video of the hazard is
played back 1728 in a cinema view and the name of the hazard is
provided as part of the video. After the playback, practice drive
continues 1730 to the next hazard.
[0119] FIG. 17B provides an alternative embodiment of a process
flow diagram for interactively interfacing with the novice drive
during a practice drive. The program begins with the launch 1701 of
a practice drive. The variables are incremented 1702 and novice
driver responses are categorized as: correct 1703, partial 1704, or
incorrect 1705. If the response is correct, an audio output is
provided and the program continues 1710 to the next hazard. If the
response is partially correct, a voiceover is output stating: "you
only got part of that last hazard."If the response is incorrect, a
voiceover is output stating: "Uh-oh--you missed a hazard." After
either of the voiceovers have been provided in response to a
partially missed or incorrect hazard, a video of the hazard is
played back 1708 in a cinema view and the name of the hazard is
provided as part of the video. After the playback, practice drive
continues 1710 to the next hazard.
[0120] If the encountered hazard has been encountered once before
1711, the variables are incremented 1712 and novice driver
responses are categorized as: correct 1713, partial 1714, or
incorrect 1715. The process for this subroutine shown in FIG. 17B
precedes the same as described above relative to FIG. 17A.
[0121] If the encountered hazard has been encountered more than
once before 1721, the variables are incremented 1722 and novice
driver responses are categorized as: correct 1723, partial 1724, or
incorrect 1725. The process for this subroutine shown in FIG. 17B
(1721-1730) steps then proceeds the same as described above
relative to FIG. 17A (steps 1701-1710).
[0122] Environment-based practice drives involve lengthy drives
encountering multiple hazards through different environments,
including: neighborhood, beyond your neighborhood, downtown, and
highway. According to one embodiment of practice drives, each
practice drive comprises a series of hazard modules that are
presented in the same order each time the practice drive is
replayed. According to a further embodiment of practice drives,
each practice drive comprises a set of hazard modules that are
presented in a different order each time the practice drive is
replayed. By presenting the hazard modules in a different order,
the novice driver is less likely to be able to merely memorize
correct responses to individual hazards and more likely to develop
hazard awareness skills. Further embodiments of the invention
randomly present hazard modules in a variety of driving conditions,
including: rain, dry, snow, icy, night-time, daylight, etc. to give
even more diverse looks to the different hazards.
[0123] One aspect of the invention is to use hazard awareness
proficiency as a basis for automobile insurance premium valuation.
If a novice driver is able to demonstrate proficiency in early
identification of potential driving hazards, then the novice driver
may be rewarded with an insurance premium discount.
[0124] According to one embodiment of the invention, an insurance
premium discount may be applied if the novice driver has correctly
identified more than a predetermined percentage of the hazards in
each practice drive environment. FIG. 18A illustrates an example.
It is first determined 1801 whether the novice driver has correctly
identified more than 90% of the hazards in a first practice drive
(for example, neighborhood). If not, the novice driver is notified
1802 of a failing score for the first practice drive and that a
discount of the insurance premium will not be applied. It is next
determined 1803 whether the novice driver has correctly identified
more than 90% of the hazards in a second practice drive (for
example, beyond your neighborhood). If not, the novice driver is
notified 1804 of a failing score for the second practice drive and
that a discount of the insurance premium will not be applied. It is
next determined 1805 whether the novice driver has correctly
identified more than 90% of the hazards in a third practice drive
(for example, downtown). If not, the novice driver is notified 1806
of a failing score for the third practice drive and that a discount
of the insurance premium will not be applied. It is finally
determined 1807 whether the novice driver has correctly identified
more than 90% of the hazards in a fourth practice drive (for
example, highway). If not, the novice driver is notified 1808 of a
failing score for the fourth practice drive and that a discount of
the insurance premium will not be applied. If the novice driver has
a passing score for all four practice drives, then a discount is
applied 1809 to the insurance premium and the novice driver is so
notified.
[0125] In a further illustrative embodiment of the invention, an
insurance discount may be applied if the novice driver has
correctly identified more than a predetermined percentage of the
total number of hazards in all practice drive environments. FIG.
18B shows this example. First, the total number of correctly
identified hazards is obtained by adding 1810 together the number
of correctly identified hazards from each practice drive. It is
next determined 1811 whether more than 90% of the total number of
hazards in all practice drives have been correctly identified. If
not, then the novice driver is notified 1812 of a failing score and
that the discount will not be applied. If yes, then a discount is
applied 1813 to an auto insurance premium and the novice driver is
so notified.
[0126] A further embodiment of the invention provides for a
determination of discount to be based upon a number of correctly
identified hazards, so that at least a partial discount may be
applied as long as the novice driver correctly identifies at least
one hazard. FIG. 18C illustrates this example. First, a percent of
correctly identified hazards for the first practice drive (for
example, neighborhood) is multiplied 1830 by 0.25 or 25% to provide
a first drive discount. Next, a percent of correctly identified
hazards for the second practice drive (for example, beyond your
neighborhood) is multiplied 1831 by 0.25 or 25% to provide a second
drive discount. Next, a percent of correctly identified hazards for
the third practice drive (for example, downtown) is multiplied 1832
by 0.25 or 25% to provide a third drive discount. Finally, a
percent of correctly identified hazards for a fourth practice drive
(for example, highway) is multiplied 1833 by 0.25 or 25% to provide
a fourth drive discount. The individual drive discounts are then
added 1834 to obtain a total discount. The total discount is that
applied 1835 to the auto insurance premium and the novice driver is
so notified.
[0127] In alternative embodiments, a passing score may be based on
both correctly identified hazards and partially identified
hazards.
[0128] A further aspect of the invention is to compare Road Aware
training scores with actual driving data to identify direct
correlations between correctly identified Road Aware hazards and
actual safe driving by novice drivers. When large numbers of novice
drivers have completed Road Aware, the scores may be compiled and
analyzed. Driving records for these novice drivers may also be
compiled and analyzed. To the extent that the particular Road Aware
hazard modules have failed to improve novice drivers proficiency to
identify types of hazards in actual driving conditions (as
evidenced by a relatively higher number of actual accidents), the
Road Aware hazard modules may be improved or multiplied to enhance
hazard identification. Comparisons may be drawn across driving
environments as well as individual hazards. Thus, the Road Aware
training modules may be improved over time as more novice driver
data is compiled, such that the system may learn which simulated
hazard modules best help to teach novice drivers how to avoid
accidents in actual driving conditions.
[0129] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term exemplary
means example only. Although the disclosed embodiments are
described in detail in the present disclosure, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can
be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit and
scope.
* * * * *